Review: Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

Hello there!

I received a sample of charcoal cleanser from Biore in a copy of Seventeen magazine and it has been sitting under my sink for ages, I finally got around to trying it and really enjoyed it.

It was hard to capture this practically clear cleanser in the picture but it does have a grey twinge to it with dark particles in it. I noticed a definite smoothness to the cleanser and to my face after washing it off. I was skeptical of the charcoal but my skin felt really clean and even now, with my skin all nice and dry, it feels ridiculously smooth. 

I ran out of Proactiv last week and my skin's started breaking out already so I cannot simply switch to this wash but I'm considering buying a full size of it and use it along with my Proactiv to get this amazing smooth feeling all of the time. I would highly recommend it, I think it would work nicely for almost any skin type and most would enjoy it.

Anyways, I loved finding such a nice new product and hope you enjoyed reading my review!

What's your favorite facial cleanser? Tell me in the comments below

Have a Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

March Favorites

Hello there!

I haven't done a favorites post for a few months so this will just be a favorites post for the past three months or so but that's still good right? Okay here we go...

Makeup: Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara

I used to be in love with the original formula but I've recently been using the flared version everyday and love it (Review of both here). Though it's not a dramatic mascara I like the subtle volume. 

Skin: Proactiv +

This is my savior of skincare, after years of acne this miracle has saved my skin and I just want to cherish how amazing and wonderful this was for me (Review here). I've been using that everyday and am really excited to order more and get new free gifts!

Nail color: White

I'm not sure why but white has always been my go-to nail color, its so easy and simple and matches everything that I continue to wear it all the time. I'm wearing it now but I think I need to go get some new colors soon ;)  (Post on that here). 

Hair: Ponytails

They have become my best friend this month because I've been working out twice a day and have been far too tired after all of that work to even try with my hair so ponytails, high and low, have been the perfect lazy hairstyle. 

Fashion trend: Cardigans

I've probably worn these 70% of this month because they're so warm in the morning then can be rolled up or taken off without much struggle when it starts warming up in the afternoon. 

Drink: Starbucks Passion Tea

Starbucks had a deal this month that if you bought a morning coffee, you got a free tea in the afternoon so of course I had to take advantage of it and I discovered how amazing the Shaken Iced Passion Tea is, sweetened of course. It doesn't have any caffeine but it's the perfect low calorie (60-ish) delicious cold drink (and only $2!).

Book: Divergent

I read a lot this month, probably about 6 or 7 books, all were of the fantasy/dystopian genre and I enjoyed most of them but none of them were as good as Divergent. It had similar themes to The Hunger Games but the worlds were so distinctly different that I was never bored or thought it was a copy. Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed THG. 

TV Show: Teen Wolf

The finale was last Monday and I was literally sitting on the floor a few feet in front of my TV on edge for the last 15 minutes. I watched the first seasons on Netflix and have been enraptured in it ever since. I don't get excited about many shows, I watch most a week or more after they come on but Teen Wolf was good.

Music: The Vamps

They're a newer british boyband, I can only get to 3 of their songs on Youtube (CD is only out in Britain) but I really enjoy the upbeat pop songs so I've been listening to these three songs a lot for the past couple of weeks. 

Anyways, that's what I've been enjoying on this rather boring month. Here's to an amazing April! Sorry this was up so late, scheduling doesn't like me!And this was my 100th post which I think is pretty exciting...

Comment below what were some of your March favorites?

Have a Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

Review: Make Up Remover Wipes

Hello there,

So I was rushing (like usual) and grabbed the first make up removing wipes I could find and made a mistake.

These wipes make me feel like I'm scratching my skin off and it legitimately hurts to try and remove my eye makeup. They were dripping with whatever liquid is used to keep the wipes wet and I could feel the dried liquid on my face hours after like I was wearing really thick makeup. They cost about half as much as my usual wipes, the Neutrogena ones, but I ended up throwing these away, going back and spending the money for good ones. 

There isn't all that much to say about these except that I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM. But it's all trial and error

Have a Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

Review: Proactiv+

Hello there!

A few weeks ago I saw Proactiv's new face wash line and decided to give it a try. The original Proactiv worked pretty well for someone who has had unstoppable acne for about 2 years, though it didn't completely solve the problem.

This new line has 3 steps as well. 

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
Smooth away excess oil, dirt, and other impurities with your daily cleanser

It works quite well, I usually use it in the shower on damp skin and it has the little pieces like a scrub does. I know some don't like the harsh feeling but it surprisingly doesn't aggravate my sensitive skin and I have noticed smoother skin so it lives up to it's name. 

Step 2: Pore Targeting Treatment
Kill acne bacteria deep in the pore with your daily treatment

This is a much thinner liquid like substance but thick enough to retain shape. This step is more about acne medication and my acne has definitely reduced. I always like to do something brushing my teeth after this step to let it dry before the next step. 

Step 3: Complexion Perfection Hydrator 
Soothe irritation, brighten tone and visibly reduce post-acne marks without clogging pores with your daily hydrator

This is a clear gel type product that definitely hydrates skin but it doesn't feel like most moisturizers I've used. I've continued to use my moisturizer only because I prefer tinted moisturizer in the place of foundation but I feel like after using this product it isn't necessary at all.

Results: I've had terrible acne for the past 2 years and spent countless amounts on new acne treatments and so much time worrying about covering it all up. But last week for the first time I felt like I had a clear face, this finally got ride of most of my acne. 

I still have a bunch of acne scars but those will take much longer to heal and are slowly fading. But it felt amazing to finally feel like I didn't have any acne. My skin feels amazingly smooth and healthy and after the products dry I cannot tell if I've even put them on or not, they are completely weightless. 

(However I did have a break out, it wasn't half as bad as my old ones and after a few days of diligent face washing, it completely cleared but still slightly annoying)

So overall, I'm very happy with this face wash system

Free gifts

Toner: This was one of the main steps in the old solution however is one of 2 free gifts you can choose from 8 different options. I didn't personally order mine so I didn't get a choice but this works quite well. It is used to even out skin tone and has brightened mine and faded my acne scars noticeably but not completely so it works quite well and it comes with its own application pads.

Mask: This is a normal mask, white thick cream that makes my face feel incredibly clear and has a small effect on my acne though not as much as I'd like. What I really love about this mask is that it has a second purpose as an overnight spot treatment. Noticeably reducing large bits of acne in a matter of hours. It's not miracle cream, it doesn't rid of them but a difference large enough to keep me using it. The only downside is that overuse of this will easily dry out skin and make the problem worse. 

The other gift options are the cleansing body bar, mark correcting pads, emergency blemish relief, and eye brightening serum and I believe I get 2 free with every new order. 

Anyways, that was my experience with this overall wonderful system, have you tried it? What is your choice face wash? Tell me in the comments below! I'd love to read

Have a Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

Current Beauty Goals

Hello there!

I always get very inspired by these posts, not sure why but I accomplished all but 1 of my last 5 beauty goals so hopefully I can do as well this time!

1) 7 Day cleanse

Last Sunday I started a detox cleanse, a change in diet designed to rid your body of some of the harmful chemicals and toxins found in processed foods, something I normally eat plenty of. But after the holidays I decided this would help me spring into the new year with a healthier diet which is one of my 10 resolutions. The cravings are hard and the food isn't all that good but I'm adamant to stick through it and be a better me :)

2) Paint my nails more often

I have all of these new polishes and have touched them exactly once, so I'd like to get into the habit of painting my nails more often and get that nice manicured look without having to spend half an hour correcting my nails. 

3) Find the ultimate acne solution

This was on my last goals post and I did accomplish it somewhat, it's greatly improved though still quite noticeable. I've been using the original Proactiv wash for the past month and just ordered their new solution Proactiv+ so here's to hoping it works!

4) Work on new hairstyles

My hair is the stubborn kind of curly, I've gotten some amount of control over it but I'm pretty limited in the number of things I can do with it. I'm hoping to find something new to do with it soon though I may have to log a couple hours in front of the bathroom mirror before I can do that :)

5) Start dressing nicer

It was one of my new year's resolutions and I'm really looking forward to doing it but I keep making up excuses not to do it. I need to start trying to actually fill this resolution (scary but I'm determined)

Somehow goals work really well for me, I'm ok at sticking to them and getting (at least some of) them done so here's to hoping I actually finish these ones and I hope you enjoyed!

Comment below: what are your goals at the moment? I'd love to hear!

Have a Wonderfully Accomplished Day!
Mia B <3

Review: Nars Tinted Moisturizer

Hello there!

As I was walking through Nordstrom the other day I noticed samples for one of the most sought after makeup products: the Nars Tinted Moisturizer, I've never tried it and always wondered what all the hype was about so I quickly guessed my color as I was running out the door. I got it in Groenland: a light medium with a neutral pink to peach undertone. I love when skin products make separate products for color and undertone as I find matching my undertone to be difficult at times. 

After wearing it the other day I see why everyone loves this product so much. It feels very light on the skin and has a very creamy somewhat thick consistency. My color matched flawlessly and it blends easily and quickly something I greatly appreciate as it seems like I'm always on the go. 

Without any other makeup

 Just looking at my acne spots, the product covered as well as my full coverage foundation. However, it didn't cover my under-eye circles as much as I would've liked, something easily fixed with a touch of concealer but a good thing to keep in mind.

Absolutely terrible at taking selfies...

This product is definitely one of my new favorites and already on my wishlist though at the steep price of $42 per 1.9 oz, it may be awhile before I can get myself some. 

Anyways, hope you enjoyed!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Hello there!

So I have about 20 minutes to write a post before I break my month long "everyday blogging" challenge, this should be interesting. 

Today I thought I'd love to do another review as most seem to enjoy those posts the most as I know I really do and I'll be reviewing something I've heard loads about from other bloggers: the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer which I have in the original clear shade.

This was honestly my first primer and I've loved it loads. It says it's for perfect skin so nothing specific just a nice primer and it works perfectly. I've never had any problem with it and would definitely recommend it. When first feeling it, it would seem to make my face oily or bunch up as it's very thick but it doesn't do either, blending into my face really well, I can't even tell it's only when it is alone. 

When I tried to put it over concealer, the concealer left all of the spots I had intentionally put it and blending into the rest of my face which I understand why it would do so but it wasn't very helpful so I would definitely recommend putting it on right after moisturizer. 

When I tried using my foundation without any of this beautiful product, I did notice that it faded much quicker so this very much worked up to it's long lasting promise, I use it everyday I wear makeup. 

I have a lot of red at the moment so I might consider going for the green shade that is specifically designed to counteract the red shades 

However, I don't think I'll be needing that anytime soon as the one I have ($36 for 1oz) is no where near running out which it better not be after I paid so much for so little. I use about a drop everyday and it spreads evenly over my entire face so it will last a long while, which I love, but that price will always seem high to me. 

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this short review, I might have been a bit more knowledgeable if I had ever tried another primer but having such a good one at first I never felt the need to. Also sorry about the rushed post, I have several others that I've started today but I wanted to work far more on the photography than I had the time for but they will all be here soon :)

Have A Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

November Favorites

Hello there!

As always, it's the first of the month so it's time for monthly favorites! I always love looking through my feed at all the favorites around this time though I feel very unaccomplished this month... anyways, here's what I've been loving

Beauty

So I haven't gotten too many new beauty products, sadly it's been a slow month but I still have a few favorites...

Skin- Proactiv

This stuff is amazing, as I'm constantly reminded, it won't happen overnight. However, slowly but surely my skin is clearing up thankfully. My favorite product of the line so far would have to be the overnight clearing cream since it feels really, really nice on my skin. 

Makeup- Thicker Eyeliner

I've really started getting into my eyeliner recently and applying it thickly and winged everyday. Oddly, I would pick it over mascara at the moment, I know most are opposite but it really makes my eyes look bigger and it's my new daily essential.

Hair- Frizz Eaze Clearly Defined Sculpting Gel

I was hesitant to buy a gel as they are heavy and can give my hair that terrible crunchy feeling. However as long as I apply this when my hair is damp or heavily diluted with water it nicely defines my curls when it's curly or gives it waves when it's straight. I barely have to use any for amazing results and I've been using it literally everyday. 

Other

Review: Proactiv

Hello there!

So I've had this terrible acne problem for months now and I've tried a ton of different face washes that would occasionally work but never fully got rid of the problem. I tried Proactiv a few years back when I had 1 little pimple and didn't like it very much. But after too many failed attempts I have finally gone back.

I've been using it for about 2 weeks now and it's worked better than anything I've tried before, but I still have about 1/3 of my original acne and a bunch of dry skin even though I've used the repairing treatment, isn't combination skin just lovely?

The cleanser, step 1, is amazing, it has the same small sand-like pieces you would normally find in a good scrub. If I'm in a rush I'll use this alone and my skin still feels nice and clean without the extra steps.
The toner, step 2, is good, I've always used toner though they weren't Proactiv and this works about the same, exfoliating and cleaning a bit deeper into pores.
The repairing treatment, step 3, hasn't done much for me, I've got a lot more dead skin than I'd like even after my normal moisturizing routine, a little disappointing.

However, though the product isn't perfect, it has worked a lot better than anything I've found before. Proactiv also just came out with a new, improved formula called Proactiv+ that supposedly works even better and is more effective than the original formula which I've just ordered today so I'm rather excited to see how the new system works.

Anyways, I hope this review helped someone somewhere though I know most don't have as bad of acne as I. Comment below with your favorite skin products, I'd love to read and maybe try some out!

Have a Wonderful Day!
Mia B <3

My Beauty Travel Essentials

Hello there!

 

So with my weekend traveling I thought I would share all of the products I absolutely cannot live without, whether I'm going camping, on a road trip, or on a plane.

 

1. Normal Essentials

Boring...

2. Contacts and Storage

I wear my contacts every single day as I rather enjoy my eyesight. So every time I leave even if only for a weekend I grab my contacts case and solution.

3. Makeup

I know there are people who don't bring makeup on vacation but I am weak... In Palm Springs we usually go to a fancy restaurant so I always grab enough makeup for at least 1 nice look. However, I try to be a light packer so I just pack one of everything along with my wonderful brushes and some makeup remover wipes for those nights where I get back exhausted.

 

My awesome new makeup bag, perfect for the travel-loving girl

101 Things To Do

Hello there!

Just noticed how weird my intro is but I feel like it's necessary to start a post...

So I'm copying Your Almost Alice one of my newly found blog gems whose version of this you can read here, but I loved her idea of listing 101 things I should do/want to do in life but I don't know how long it'll be until I finish it, hopefully shorter 1001 days, I feel like that is quite a long time and I don't have the constraints of work... just school, hopefully this will inspire adventure and a better life. So here's my 101 things to do, enjoy!

 

when in doubt put a picture of yourself! With Starbucks of course

 

 

Started: November 7th, 2013

Finished: Not yet!

1. Have NO Acne

2. Wear dark lipstick on a normal day

3. Paint my nails 4 times in a month

4. Try 10 new makeup products

5. Organize my makeup storage

6. Try a smokey eye

7. Buy some Real Techniques brushes

8. Go full curl (Like Lorde) for a week

9. Straighten my hair for a week

10. Find a way to have nice defined curls

Current Favorites

Hello there!

 

I've just finally gotten out of bed after a long battle with a migraine but I am ready to write!

 

Today I wanted to list down all of my current favorites beauty and otherwise, and a short bit about each

 

Favorite Eyeliner: L'Oréal Infalliable The Super Slim Felt Tip

• Goes on easy, lasts for hours, very precise, and only $9

Favorite Nail Color: Essie Winter Collection

• So far I've only tried Shearling Darling but I'm already in love with the rest, keep an eye out for a review

Favorite Blush: Kat Von D in Por Vida

• Steep price ($25) however highly pigmented, blends easily, and lasts all day

Favorite Skin Product: Biore Acne Clearing Scrub

•  Just starting using it this weekend but my stubborn acne is already noticeably clearing up

Favorite Hair Product: John Freida Frizz Ease Clearly Defined Style Holding Gel (why is every products name so long?)

• I've been using this for about 2 weeks and it's helped define my forever frizzy curls when I use it right after my shower

Favorite Food: Premade Salad Bowls

•  On a healthy eating challenge but I have found success in these salads for lazy people already made for me at the store, pretty good for veggies

Favorite TV Show: Reign

• Love, Romance, Drama, a touch of history mixed with comedy and ta da! Amazingness

Favorite Song: Ten Thousand Hours by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

• Triumph over challenges, hard work pays off, and dream as high as you can, all things I love and stand by

I know, short, no pictures and I'm sorry! Have an adorable cat picture!

 

 Very un me-like today... I'll try to make up for it with a project I'm going to start this week that I'm getting very excited for, stay tuned!

 

Have a Wonderful Day!

Mia B <3

Face wash review!

 

Hello there!

So recently (past year, about) I have started getting a TON of acne. It's really annoying. I've tried several face washes and I cannot seem to find one that works perfectly and takes away all of my zits. But some have worked better than others and I feel like I've tried enough of them to compare them for anyone else who wants to try out a new face wash. So these are ordered from my personal favorite to least favorite.